Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 6, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public and private entities in Illinois seeking to prepare industrial sites for development. Local governments, economic development organizations, and private entities can apply. Projects must focus on planning, engineering, environmental assessment, or infrastructure improvements (utilities, roads, site prep). Activities must directly support industrial site readiness within Illinois.
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Program description
The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state. Input from community leaders and economic development experts has raised the need for flexible funding to support construction and infrastructure improvements to prepare sites for future development. This is the second round of the Regional Site Readiness Program and includes some minor changes from last year’s program. Intent is to invest planning and capital resources to enable more rapid and certain industrial development. Investments to better understand needs to sites across the state including planning and due diligence (engineering, environmental, concept plans, etc) and investments to shorten development time frames include infrastructure (electric, natural gas, water & sewer, etc) and other site preparation activities See NOFO for uses and restrictions Beneficiaries: Lists the beneficiaries of a program. These are NOT the subrecipients but rather the individuals receiving a benefit, where applicable. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-35-3429).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NOFO application form
- Project narrative and site description
- Engineering or environmental assessment
- Budget narrative and cost breakdown
- Letters of support from local government/stakeholders
- Site readiness plan or concept design
Program contact
- 👤 Emily Rhodes
- 📧 CEO.Sites@Illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2025 | $42,000,000 | |
| 2026 | $30,000,000 | |
| 2027 | $4,100,809 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Local governments, economic development districts, and private industrial developers in Illinois can apply. The program targets entities with sites ready for industrial development.
What types of projects are funded?
Planning activities (engineering, environmental studies, concept plans) and infrastructure improvements (water, sewer, electric, gas) are eligible. Site preparation work that shortens development timelines qualifies.
Is there a deadline for applying?
The deadline is October 20, 2026. Check the NOFO for any rolling deadline provisions or application windows.
What activities are not eligible?
See the NOFO for specific restrictions and ineligible uses. Activities outside site readiness or industrial development preparation are typically not covered.
How competitive is this program?
This is the second round, suggesting it's moderately competitive. Projects with clear economic impact and community support score higher.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with state industrial development priorities and community economic goals.
- Document how infrastructure or planning investments will reduce development timelines and risk.
- Gather letters of support from local government, community leaders, and prospective industrial users.
- Present clear engineering, environmental, or financial justification for each site investment.
- Review the NOFO carefully for eligible uses, cost categories, and any new program changes from round one.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when site readiness connection is unclear or indirect. Weak documentation of engineering or environmental needs reduces competitiveness. Projects lacking community or local government support often score poorly.
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